"You are a perfect treasure, Bernheim," I said. "Come, we will start
at once. Is your horse good for a fast ride back?"
"Entirely, sir."
"Then you can give me the story on the way," I said. "Meanwhile, get
some refreshment."
I went back to the table--and it was amusing how suddenly the
conversation ceased and everyone looked at me. I smiled reassuringly
at Dehra, for there was concern in her eyes.
"Four of you," said I--"you, Princess; and you, Lady Helen; and you,
Courtney; and you, Moore, were present at--and you, Mademoiselle
d'Essoldé, have heard of--a certain supper party on the Hanging Garden,
some weeks back, whereat a certain woman proclaimed herself my wife.
That was the first act in a play which has been progressing ever since.
The plot has thickened lately--as witness the duel at the Masque, last
night. And now, unless I greatly err, the last act is set for this
evening. If you care to see it I shall be glad for your
company."--Then I laughed. "A long speech," said I; "but it sounded
well."
"And promises best of all," said Courtney.
Then I ordered the horses; and, while we waited, I gave the letters to
Courtney.
"Read them," I said. "The originals passed through Bernheim's hands
this afternoon--'while en route,' as he puts it."
He read them carefully.
"You contemplate giving them an audience?" he asked.
"Exactly that," said I.
"Is it feasible?"
"Bernheim says it is."
He looked at me thoughtfully, a moment. "It would be a great stroke to
have the King there," he said.
"I'll make a try for him," I answered; "but the time is very short."
It was ten miles to Dornlitz, and we did it in an hour. On the way, I
explained the whole situation to the Princess and read her the letters.
She was amazed--and her indignation was intense. Nor did she hesitate
to express it freely before Bernheim. And I saw his stern face break
into a glad smile. It told him much.
At the Palace we drew rein.
"Be at the Hotel Metzen at eight forty-five," said I. "Come by the
Court entrance--you will be expected."
Then they rode away, and I hastened to the King.
As good luck would have it, Frederick was in his cabinet and received
me instantly. He read the letters and looked at me inquiringly.
"It means a plain talk between them," I explained; "and I propose to
hear it. I am, sure it would interest Your Majesty--much happened
yesterday." And I told him of the Vierle Masque.
Frederick frowned a bit--thought longer--then smiled.
"I don't much fancy eaves-dropping; but, sometimes, the end justifies
the means," he said. "I'll join you."
"There will be other witnesses, Sire," I said--and named them.
"I don't like it," he said.
"I can stop them," I suggested.
He considered. "No," said he, "I understand why you want them. I'll
come--they will be discreet. And the Princess would wish it so. I'll
bring her, myself."
Then I rode to the Metzen. Bernheim had preceded me and, with the
manager of the Hotel, awaited me at a side door. The corridor was
dimly lighted but I drew my cape well over my face and, is a moment, we
were in a small reception room.
"Monsieur Gerst," said I to the manager, "I need your assistance."
Gerst bowed very low.
"Your Royal Highness has but to command," he said.
I was quite sure of that, however. An Archduke of Valeria would have
been quite enough, but the Governor of Dornlitz was beyond refusal. I
could have closed his Hotel by a word, and there would have been no
appeal.
"Thank you, monsieur," I said. "You have as a guest, a certain Madame
Armand Dalberg."
"A guest by Your Highness's express permission, you will remember," he
said.
"Very true," said I. "Now, this Madame Dalberg expects a visitor
to-night at nine o'clock."
He gave me a quick glance.
"You know him?" I asked.
"No, Your Highness. I only know madame gave orders to admit no one
to-night except a gentleman who would come at nine."
I nodded. "It's the same," said I. "And what I want, is to hear all
that occurs between Madame Dalberg and this visitor."
Gerst smiled. "That will be easily arranged, Your Highness--the place
is already provided."
"The concealed Gallery?" asked Bernheim, quickly?
"Yes, Colonel." Then, to me, he explained: "Madame's reception room
was once a part of a small, state dining-room. Back of the end wall
runs a gallery where guests sat to listen to the speeches. It is
there, now--and the tapestries, with which the walls are hung,
completely hide it."
"It can be reached from the floor above?" I asked.
"Yes, Your Highness; a narrow stairway admits to it."
"Can we enter without being overheard by those in the room below?"
"Very readily, sir; the gallery was so designed that its noises would
not disturb those in the dining-room."
"We are in good luck, Bernheim," I said.
"We shall need all of it, sir, with eight spectators."
And he was right. It was foolish to risk success for only a
sentimental reason. I knew, perfectly well, the proper course was for
no one but the King and myself to be in the gallery; yet, there entered
my Dalberg stubbornness. I purposed that some of those, who had seen
me accused that night on the Hanging Garden, should see me exculpated
to-night.
It may be, that some will question the propriety of my action, and the
good taste of those who were my guests. As to the latter, it must be
borne in mind that my invitation was in the nature of a command, which
it would have been vastly discourteous to decline. And, besides, they
were my friends. As for myself, I have no excuses to offer--and,
methinks, I need none. The situation had long passed the refinement of
ethics. It was war; and war not of my declaring. Neither was I
responsible for the style of the campaign. Madeline Spencer deserved
no consideration from me--and no more did her visitor.